Reference Term:

John Locke

Birth:

August 29, 1632

Death:

October 28, 1704

Place of Birth:

Wrington, Somerset, England

Place of Death:

Essex, England
John Locke was a British philosopher whose ideas about politics and human nature had a
tremendous influence on the founders of the United States government. Locke lived during a
period known as the Age of Enlightenment. During this period, people began to use logic and
reason rather than strictly relying on religion to understand the world and their place in it.
In 1690, Locke wrote Two Treatises of Government, which said that people are born with natural
rights that are given to them by God and cannot be taken away. These included the rights to life,
liberty, and property.
Locke also described a social contract between people and their rulers. He said that governments
have an obligation to protect peoples natural rights and that citizens have an obligation to follow
the laws created by their government. If a government breaks that contract, and does not protect
citizens rights, the people have a right to overthrow the government.
Many believe that Thomas Jefferson used Lockes ideas when writing the Declaration of
Independence. Locke also advocated the idea that different branches of government should have
checks on one other, which was adopted in the U.S. Constitution. Locke also wrote in support of
religious tolerance.